Auction Recap: RM Auctions’ 2015 Phoenix Sale

RM Auctions entered 2015 in much the same way it ended 2014: by pushing its totals ever higher. The company’s Phoenix, Ariz., event —held Jan. 15-16, 2015 — finished with 114 of 127 lots sold for a total of $63.7 million, including buyer’s premium. This tally bested 2014’s numbers by nearly 40%, with the average sale price growing by more than $135,000.

The auction’s top sale was also the highest amount ever paid for a car during Arizona’s annual January auctions. For those who might question the worth of that title, consider that a bazillion cars (more or less) have been sold during this series of sales over the years. Earning the honor was a 1964 Ferrari 250 LM, which traded for $9,625,000, including buyer’s premium. Seven other Ferraris placed in the top 10 list, with a 1984 288 GTO demonstrating the current fervor around one of the marque’s 1980s supercars. The model was coming from an exceptional Japanese collection, and saw some of the briskest bidding of the week as it sailed past its $2.4 million high estimate en route to a record $2.75 million sale price.